How to Start Homeschooling Last Minute

“Must you wait until the last minute?” I can’t remember if it was my mom, my teachers, or my boss who often said that to me. Wait a minute — it was all three! If there is one thing we are not good at putting off, it’s procrastination! We don’t want to encourage you to wait until the last minute to begin your homeschooling adventure. But, if you have found yourself wondering how to start homeschooling last minute, we are here to help you get started right — and right away — with plenty of breathing space!

The 5 Rs of Homeschooling Last Minute

Taking your child out of public or private school may seem difficult at first, but rest assured, it is not that hard, and the rewards are more family time, flexibility, and fun (and more you can read about here)! Here are some tips to help you take the first steps in planning how to start homeschooling last minute.

• Relax as you ease into your new role as a homeschooling parent. Toddlers are not nervous about taking their first steps, and neither should you be about learning how to homeschool. Have a cup of tea and take comfort in knowing that growing thousands of parents have done this and succeeded. You’ll never be alone on this journey and will find the confidence you need in time!
• Research the types of homeschooling. There are several different types of homeschoolers, from traditional to online to charter schools, so it’s important to discover which type of homeschooler you are before beginning. Consider the ages of your learners and how they learn best. I recommend looking into the subjects required by your state to set the stage for which courses you’ll need to find curriculum for, and begin to get a bird’s-eye view of the subjects and topics before diving in. Your local library is a great place to start!
• Requirements for homeschoolers vary from state to state. It’s super important to understand what will be required of you in terms of record keeping, courses, evaluations, etc. Bridgeway has done the searching for you and provided this list of state resources.
• Relate to other homeschoolers through a homeschool support group. We’re a fun, helpful, cooperative bunch! Do an Internet search to find a local group of homeschool veterans for mutual support, or reach out on social media. HSLDA has an extensive list of homeschool groups for various ethnicities, religions, and circumstances, from around the world.
• Reflect on what a great decision you have made for your child’s future. No more bullying, large class sizes, one size fits all learning. Homeschooling opens wide the world of learning based upon your child’s needs, abilities, and interests!

See? That wasn’t so bad, was it? Learning how to homeschool last minute is doable, and you’ll be so thankful that you started this journey! You’re about to find out the depths and riches of relationship and learning that come with homeschooling. And, you don’t have to go it alone. Accredited, supported homeschooling with an expert partner can give you the peace of mind you need to start homeschooling today.

With round the clock support throughout the year, all of your curriculum needs, and record keeping, Bridgeway makes it easier than ever to start homeschooling now. To learn more about homeschooling with an accredited partner, visit us at www.bridgewayacademy.com.